Easy Cuban Picadillo

This recipe is out of this world.  Do you think I thought that when I originally saw it?  Nope, most definitely not!  But all the interesting ingredients totally made me curious, and as many recipes as were out there...this HAD to be tasty! And let me tell you...it did NOT disappoint!  Janelle @ Gluten Freely Frugal originally got my creative juices flowing with her version of this popular Cuban dish.  All the flavors marry so perfectly in this dish, and the whole family has loved this both times I have made it. Even my picky dad went back for seconds...always a good sign!  Give this a go, it is so easy to make a real, family-pleasing dinner!

1 pound (about) ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper (I used a sweet yellow), chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup raisins
3 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1/4 cup water
Optional: 1 can black beans, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sauteed plantains

Saute the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.  When the beef is mostly cooked through, add the remaining ingredients (add the black beans here as well if you so choose).  Bring to a low simmer, and cover.  Cook for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and permeate one another.  Serve atop a bed rice and garnish with chopped cilantro and avocado.

This recipe was shared on Fight Back Fridays, Lunchbox Love,  Pennywise Platter, Thriving on Thursdays,